Garment Capitol Building
This 1926 Gothic Revival tower in the heart of LA's Fashion District rewards photographers who look up. The ornate terracotta detailing, pointed arches, and vertical stone work give you rich texture to work with, and the building's narrow footprint means you can isolate its upper floors against the sky with a telephoto lens or go wide at street level to emphasize its height. A 24-35mm lens works well for capturing the full facade from across the street on South Broadway, while a longer lens pulls out the decorative stonework and gargoyle-like details near the crown. Overcast days are ideal since harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows on the relief work; soft morning light or a bright cloudy sky keeps the terracotta tones even and detailed. The surrounding sidewalks are busy during business hours, so early weekday mornings give you cleaner foreground space and fewer distractions. (Los Angeles, California, United States)
